Francisco Cruz “Keko” Martinez
Francisco Cruz “Keko” Martinez
In some ways, Francisco Cruz “Keko” Martinez sees himself as the epitome of the American Dream.
The Republican candidate for Rock Island County Sheriff is the grandson of two migrant grandfathers who lived with their families in railroad box cars before they were able to afford their own homes.
“Their hard work made an indelible impact and influence on my life,” Martinez says on his website. “My grandfather and father were active members of the United Steel Workers Union at Northwestern Steel & Wire Company in Sterling, Ill."
Soon after high school, Martinez joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he spent 13 years on active duty and then another 13 years in the Marine Corps Reserves.
“I’m a retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant (E9) and decorated Desert Storm war veteran,” he added on his website. “I’m currently volunteering as the (unofficial) Chaplin for the Marine Corps Reserves.”
In 1996, Francisco entered law enforcement, ultimately being tabbed as a special reaction team member (sniper) and then served as president of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO).
He also later served as a security officer, and lead and chief security officer.
“As a lead and chief security officer, I completed training, including, but not limited to, handling aggressive and non-aggressive mental health patients, PTSD individuals, use of force, verbal judo, personnel evaluation, Department of Homeland Security FEMA disaster emergency management, workplace OSHA requirements, 'less lethal' arms instruction and International Association of Healthcare Safety and Security Supervisor Level training,” he added on his website. “One of my longest and [most] consistent qualities is that I always left my areas and positions of responsibility better off than when I first started there.”
Martinez was born and raised in Sterling, and graduated from Sterling High School. He resides on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities with his wife of 20 years, Kathy. The couple has four children, Keko II, Beth, Gabe and Ricky.
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